Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I worked as a writer and director in film and television for most of my adult life. So, mastering the art of storytelling came from writing many, many teleplays and screenplays. My work has been produced on television and my feature length screenplays optioned by major studios and production companies.
When I decided to give writing a novel a try I chose to adapt one of my screenplays, “Black Shadow Moon,” mainly because it had been optioned three times by major production companies. Although none of those companies ever produced it, I new it was marketable from the attention it had received.
“Black Shadow Moon – Bram Stoker’s Dark Secret: The Story Of Dracula” was published October 2016 to excellent reviews. Prior to “Black Shadow Moon” I authored two non-fiction books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I just completed the sequel to my first novel, “Black Shadow Moon – Stoker’s Redemption” and the manuscript is currently with my editor. You might say I was “inspired” to write it by readers who kept asking me if there would be a sequel to the original book. Originally I had no sequel planned, but I gave in to the reader requests.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know that any of my writing habits are particularly unusual. Generally I’ll get an idea and carry it around in my head for several weeks, or sometimes months, mentally developing the concept and the story. Then I will sit down and quickly outline the story. Sometimes my outlines are very thorough and sometimes they’re not. When they’re not it’s usually because I’m too impatient to actually begin writing the book.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve always enjoyed the novels of James Michener and Ken Follett. They are superb writers and their scope of research is always impressive. I also enjoy reading Stephen King, David Baldacci, James Patterson, and John Grisham.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing two novellas, both with stories told in the spirit of the old “Twilight Zone” television series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m so new at the publishing business that I am still a student of marketing and promoting my books. Currently my author website, www.pgkassel.com, and my Amazon book page get the most traffic. I’m certain that once “Black Shadow Moon – Stoker’s Redemption” is published I’ll be initiating more effective promotions.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I taught screenwriting for over five years and never ceased to be amused by my student’s displaying shock and dismay at how difficult writing can be. The first thing I generally tell aspiring writers is to take the time to really learn what a story is. What elements are inherent in a good story? What is effective story structure? It’s surprising at how many new writers don’t really know what makes a good story work.
The second tip I give aspiring writers is to discipline themselves to sit at their keyboard and do the work. Start with fifteen minutes a day, and don’t leave your keyboard even if you spend the time just staring at the screen. It won’t take long before you actually being using that time to write something. Then expand the time to thirty minutes, and then forty-five, etc. Learning the discipline of writing every day will get you a finished book before you know it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
As a young screenwriter a good friend of mine, an immensely successful script analyst and story doctor, told me, “Great scripts aren’t written, they’re re-written.” The same adage applies to novels. A great novel is going to come to life out of one rewrite after the other until it is as perfect as it can be.
What are you reading now?
I recently read two of the John Milton books by Mark Dawson. Next on my list is “The Girl on the Train,” mainly because I’ve heard so much buzz about it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a suspense thriller series planned with an interesting, and hopefully ‘different’ protagonist that will be featured in each story. I’m working from a rough outline and already have several rough chapters done.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
This is a really tough question. I never like it when someone asks me what my favorite movie is, or my favorite music artist, or my favorite book. I like so much of what’s out there and it scrambles my mind to think of narrowing down the list to just a few titles. One title I can think of is a collection of Arthur Conan Doyle; there would be a wide variety of stories to read.
Author Websites and Profiles
P.G. Kassel Website
P.G. Kassel Amazon Profile
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